This class is open to children of all SSA regular membership types and SSA Junior Club Members.  It is easy, and inexpensive to become a Junior Club Member simply by following this link Click Here. Children of SSA members do not need to become Junior Club members.

Harbor Rookies

Harbor Rookies is a one-week course designed to give the youngest sailors in our program an introduction to the Chesapeake Bay and sailing. Optimists are provided and instruction takes place with two sailors per boat. Harbor rookies is open to children as young as 5 who have completed at least one year of kindergarten. The class is geared toward sailors ages 5-8. Emphasis is placed on fun, teamwork and enjoying the Chesapeake Bay. On the first Monday of every session, sailors must pass a swim test (wearing their life jacket). This is followed by introductory sailing games as the sailors are eased into the week. Tuesday through Friday the focus is on getting sailors out on the water, having fun in an exciting new environment. Very basic sailing skills are introduced such as safety, sailing preparation and wind awareness.  The goal will be to get sailors comfortable with being in a new and exciting environment out on the water. There will be no class held the week of July 4th.

Time: 9am to 12pm 

Sailor’s daily checklist:
- PFD (Coast Guard Approved Type 3 or 4 Life Jacket) with tied on whistle
- Sunblock
- Re-usable water bottle & snack / lunch
- Closed-toed shoes (no flip-flops)
- Swimming Suit (i.e. board shorts and tech t-shirt)
- Hat & sunglasses
Optional:
- Towel
- Change of clothes

Sailors will receive an SSA commemorative gift for participating in the program

Reminders to parents:
- Parents are required to sign their children in and out of the program when dropping off and picking their children up. 
- Please stay clear of the classroom area, allow instructor to instruct and supervise.
- No Parking in SSA for Junior Club Members since the lot space is limited. 
- If you want to watch your sailors, you may watch from the 3rd basin or from your own boat as long as the boat is kept away from and is not interfering with the lesson.


Family Awards Night:
Friday, July 19^th, 2019 will be Mid-Season Awards and Friday August 16^th, 2019 will be end of season awards. Anyone participating in the summer program is welcome to come with their parents and siblings. More details will be sent out during the summer.

Cancellation Policy:
Any classes cancelled before May 15th will be granted a full refund (less processing fees), classes cancelled less than 30 days but before the 1st day of instruction will be given a 50% refund (less processing fees) and no refunds will be issued once class begins. Please note that the Junior Club membership is non-refundable.  If you cancel your class you will still retain your Junior Club Membership for that year.